Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have stopped an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State.
The military said the terrorists attempted to storm the school around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. The facility is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
Security forces repel attempted attack
In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the attackers allegedly gained access to the premises with the help of suspected collaborators.
However, security personnel on duty quickly confronted the terrorists. Shortly afterwards, troops from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force arrived at the scene and reinforced the operation.
The combined efforts of the military and police forced the terrorists to retreat before carrying out their mission.
Forty-six students rescued
Although parts of the school sustained damage during the attack, security forces prevented what could have become a large-scale tragedy.
Following the operation, troops rescued all 46 students staying at the facility. They were later evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno for medical examination and necessary care.
Captain Goni said:
“The rescued students have all been confirmed medically stable, and no student was abducted.”
Some students killed during attack
Despite the successful rescue operation, Goni disclosed that some students lost their lives after being hit by sporadic gunfire fired by the terrorists during the exchange.
The military expressed sympathy to the families of the victims. It also assured residents that additional measures were being taken to improve security around communities and critical public facilities across the North-East.
Military launches manhunt for collaborators
Meanwhile, security agencies have begun an exploitation operation to identify and arrest suspected collaborators believed to have assisted the attackers.
In addition, troops are pursuing the fleeing terrorists to prevent further attacks.
Goni reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the region.
He said:
“Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining military pressure on terrorist groups, degrading their operational capabilities and ensuring that schools and other critical infrastructure across the region remain secure.”
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